Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for English

Understanding Marked and Unmarked Terms

Within an opposition, the difference between a marked term and an unmarked term can be explained as follows:

The negative terms of an opposition are often formally marked: happy, unhappy; like, dislike. The morphologically simple term may have an alternative simple partner: unmarried-single; untrue-false. Sometimes there are differentiating nuances, in that the morphologically marked word suggests that the other term was expected: unsafe-dangerous; unclean-dirty; unkind-cruel; unhappy-sad.

• Cases with formal marking in both members include: increase-decrease; accelerate-decelerate.
• Perceptual salience tends to be associated with the positive term in gradable concepts: long-short; fast-slow; heavy-light. The

Money

You'll be able to get money at the airport, but otherwise, most Japanese banks/ATMs won't accept foreign cards. However, all the post offices and all 7-Elevens have ATMs that will work. These are, thankfully, everywhere. Japan is a cash society, so I'd always make sure to have around $200 on you at least. With the exception of a few obviously touristy places (Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, for example), you really don't ever have to worry about theft (and even in the touristy places, you're probably just fine).

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores have everything. They are magical places. But they are particularly good for picking up toiletries, random stuff, and snacks. Especially onigiri (rice balls), which are fantastic when you get caught... Continue reading "Money and Food Tips for Traveling in Japan" »

Verb Simple Past P.Partic Signifc Regular Verbs

Tell Me a Story: Plus Edition

Understanding Storytelling's Appeal

• Statement 1: Storytelling Appeals to Our Need for Escapism

  Answer: True. “We all want to be taken out of our own reality and into another world.”

• Statement 2: Electronic Books Replacing Paper Books

  Answer: True. “A lot of people are now choosing to read online or onscreen, with e-books becoming increasingly popular.”

Insights on Traditional Storytelling

• What is the Ancient Technology Centre like?

  The audience sits in the dark, and the only light comes from the fire in the fire pit, creating shadows everywhere.

• Why is traditional storytelling so popular?

  It’s popular because humans have a deep-rooted need to be connected with their ancestors.

Comprehension Check: Multiple Choice

(

The Kidnapping of Farrow

Chapter 1: The Message in the Book

Farrow has been kidnapped by the Amsterdam Ring, a notorious smuggling organization. He has left a message in a book that Leila, his wife, has found.

Chapter 2: The Smugglers' Journey

Some of the smugglers, Keesing and de Fries, are driving with Farrow to Luxor, to the tomb of Queen Axtarte. Another smuggler, Greer, is kidnapping Mrs. Farrow in a house in Cairo.

Chapter 3: The Radio Contact

Every night, there is radio contact between the smugglers. This radio contact must take place at 19:00, or Christine Farrow will be killed.

Chapter 4: The Steep Slope

Farrow orders Keesing and de Fries to drive up a steep slope so that an aircraft can see them. Salahadin, a pilot, flies to Luxor at that... Continue reading "The Kidnapping of Farrow: A Thrilling Adventure in Egypt" »

The Blue Cross

ORDER

1. h) A boat arrived in Harwich.
2. g) A police chief had breakfast.
3. a) A bowl of soup was thrown at a wall.
4. c) An apple cart was knocked over.
5. f) Three policemen took a ride on a bus.
6. b) A window was broken.
7. d) A parcel was left at a sweetshop.
8. e) Two priests took a walk in a park.

Plot Analysis

2. Some key actions in the plot are only referred to later in the story. When do you think the following actions took place? Is it important to know exactly when? Why (not)? It is not important to know what happens at the moment because otherwise the end would not surprise you so much.

a) Valentin found out about Father Brown and the blue cross. At the end of the story, when Flambeau ends up discovering what Father Brown has done and the police... Continue reading "The Blue Cross: A Detective Story Analysis" »

Chapter 3: Understanding Scrooge's Transformation

Question Word Review

This chapter tests your understanding of key events. Can you answer these questions?

1. Where did the Ghost of Christmas Present first take Scrooge? Outside, into the cold, snowy streets.
2. Why did the spirit hold his torch over people’s heads? To inspire kindness and stop arguments.
3. Who held a special place in Bob Cratchit’s heart? Tiny Tim, his son.
4. Why was Mrs. Cratchit reluctant to toast Scrooge? She resented his meager wages and considered him a hateful man.
5. Who played a YES/NO game? Scrooge’s nephew, his family, and friends.
6. Who were the figures beneath the ghost’s robe? Two children, representing Want and Ignorance.

Character Analysis: Ebenezer Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge,... Continue reading "A Christmas Carol: Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis" »

Senses and Adjectives

Smell: Olfato (smells), Taste: Gusto (tastes), Sight: Vista (looks), Hearing: Oído (sound), Touch: Tacto (feels).

Adjectives

• Awful: horrible
• Disgusting: asqueroso
• Great: estupendo

At the Doctor's

Key phrases and vocabulary:

• What’s the problem?
• Earache: dolor de oídos
• infection
• medication
• antibiotics
• Painkillers: analgésicos
• To prescribe: recetar
• Prescription: receta
• Drug: medicamento
• Let me have a look.

Relationships and Common Phrases

• To meet somebody: conocer a alguien
• To fancy somebody: gustarte
• To ask somebody out: pedir a alguien
• To go out with somebody: salir con alguien
• To fall in love: enamorarse
• To fall out: desenamorarse
• To have an argument: discutir
• To break up: romper una relación
• To make up: hacer las paces
• To get engaged: prometerse
• To